Ventilation system with system status display for configuration and program information

ABSTRACT

The disclosure describes a novel approach for displaying information on a ventilation system. The disclosure describes a novel respiratory system including a removable primary display and system status display. Further, the disclosure describes a novel method for displaying ventilator information and a novel method for controlling a ventilation system.

INTRODUCTION

Many devices now use electronic graphical user interfaces (GUIs) as theprimary user interface means instead of panels with mechanical elementssuch as knobs, buttons, switches etc. These GUIs are typically presentedon a suitably-sized display (such as a flat panel display) inconjunction with a pointing or, as is increasingly common, atouch-sensitive display.

A drawback of electronic GUIs is the power consumption the displaysrequire. Large and high resolution displays and support circuitry oftenconsume excessive amounts of power, making them unattractive for usewith battery-powered devices.

Yet another drawback related to the power consumption issue is that inorder for an operator to interact with or obtain information from thedevice in any way, the electronic GUI must be powered on, even when theinformation needed is unrelated to the operation of the device. Forexample, a device may have a battery that can be charged from wall powerwhen the device is turned off. If the electronic GUI is the onlyinterface, then in order to simply determine the charge condition of thebattery, the device must be turned on in order to power the electronicGUI. Further, if the electronic GUI is the only interface, then anoperator must turn on the device when selecting a ventilator for use onpatient, to determine the ventilator configuration, ventilationprograms, ventilator identification information, and maintenanceinformation.

One way that has been used to address this problem is to providecombinations of limited function alpha numeric displays, lamps and LEDsin addition to the primary display to manage ancillary or statusinformation that should be provided to the operator. However, suchancillary user interface elements can not be reconfigured as they arebuilt into their devices. Therefore, if different operators want to seedifferent types of ancillary information, the only way to achieve thisis to create different physical housings for each set of ancillaryinformation desired by consumers.

Another drawback to currently utilized ventilator systems is thatdifferent ventilators are often configured differently, making itdifficult for ventilator operators to quickly find and/or locate thephysical components of the ventilator. During ventilation, the operatorneeds to understand the status of the ventilator in addition to thestatus of the patient to properly care for the patient. Current systemsprovide stickers or papers on the ventilator system to direct theoperator to proper parts in an attempt to help alleviate this problem;however, these stickers and papers may fade or fall off the ventilatorover time.

An additional drawback to currently utilized ventilator systems is thatthe increased specificity and wide variety of ventilator systems andprograms makes it difficult for a ventilator operator to quickly choosea desired and/or proper ventilator. The ventilator operator may have alimited amount of time to determine if a ventilator provides the neededfeatures, contains enough of the desired gas source, and/or is properlyconfigured, charged, maintained, and/or serviced. Because ventilatorsare typically utilized in complicated environments, such as in intensivecare units, the operator may have a limited amount of time to pick andcompletely understand a ventilator. The large number of differencesbetween different ventilators increases the amount of time necessary foran operator to pick and completely understand a ventilator, which is anundesirable side-effect of ventilator variety and specialization.

SUMMARY

The disclosure describes a novel approach for displaying information ona ventilator system. The disclosure describes a novel respiratory systemincluding a primary display and system status display. Further, thedisclosure describes a novel method for displaying ventilatorinformation.

In part, this disclosure describes a method for displaying ventilationinformation on a ventilation system. The method includes performing thefollowing steps:

a) monitoring a power source utilized by a ventilation system with aprocessor;

b) monitoring a power status of the ventilation system with theprocessor;

c) displaying a first set of data on a primary display and a second setof data on a secondary display when the ventilation system is turned on;and

d) displaying at least one ventilation program executable by theventilation system and at least one ventilation configuration feature onthe system status display controlled by the processor when theventilation system is turned off and receiving power from an externalpower source.

Another aspect of this disclosure describes a method for displayingventilation information on a ventilation system. The method includesperforming the following steps:

a) monitoring the power source utilized by the ventilation system with aprocessor;

b) monitoring the power status of the ventilation system with theprocessor;

c) monitoring a system status display power switch;

d) displaying a first set of data on a primary display and a second setof data on a secondary display when the ventilator system is turned on;and

e) displaying at least one ventilation program executable by theventilation system and at least one ventilation configuration feature onthe system status display controlled by the processor when theventilation system is turned off, receiving power from at least onebattery, and the system status display is switched on.

Yet another aspect of this disclosure describes a ventilation systemthat includes: a main housing; a gas delivery system in the mainhousing; a ventilation control system in the main housing that controlsthe gas delivery system and monitors one or more of a patientphysiological parameter, operational parameters of the ventilationsystem and user-defined parameters; a primary display controller thatgenerates a graphical user interface and that receives user inputsthrough the graphical user interface and delivers commands to theventilation control system based on the inputs; a primary displayhousing removably attached to the main housing; a primary display in theprimary display housing that presents the graphical user interface; anda system status display incorporated into the main housing that receivesstatus data directly from the ventilation control system and the systemstatus display displays at least one ventilation program executable bythe ventilation system and at least one ventilation configurationfeature.

These and various other features as well as advantages whichcharacterize the systems and methods described herein will be apparentfrom a reading of the following detailed description and a review of theassociated drawings. Additional features are set forth in thedescription which follows, and in part will be apparent from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the technology. Thebenefits and features of the technology will be realized and attained bythe structure particularly pointed out in the written description andclaims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and areintended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawing figures, which form a part of this application,are illustrative of embodiment systems and methods described below andare not meant to limit the scope of the invention in any manner, whichscope shall be based on the claims appended hereto.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a ventilator system including aprimary removable display and a system status display.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a ventilator system including aprimary removable display and a system status display.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a method for displaying ventilatorinformation.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a method for displaying ventilatorinformation.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a method for displaying ventilatorinformation.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a method for displaying ventilatorinformation.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a method for displaying ventilatorinformation.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a screen shot of a display on aventilation system.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a screen shot of a display on aventilation system.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a screen shot of a system statusdisplay.

FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of a screen shot of a system statusdisplay.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure describes embodiments of novel display methods and of asystem status display for use in devices such as medical ventilatorsthat have an electronic graphical user interface (GUI) on a primarydisplay device. The system status display (SSD) is a secondary displaythat has a more limited functionality than the electronic GUI on theprimary display, and is provided primarily, if not solely, for thepurpose of providing system status information to the operator.

Although the technology introduced above and discussed in detail belowmay be implemented for a variety of devices (and not just medicaldevices), the present disclosure will discuss the implementation ofthese techniques in the context of a medical ventilator for use inproviding ventilation support to a human patient. The reader willunderstand that the technology described in the context of a medicalventilator for human patients could be adapted for use with othersystems such as ventilators for non-human patients, different types ofmedical devices and any devices that use an electronic GUI presented ona primary display.

Medical ventilators are used to provide mixed gases that can bedelivered in different modes of operation to a patient who may otherwisebe unable to breathe sufficiently. This could include assisting a weaklybreathing patient by reducing the work of breathing or by breathing fora patient that is unable to breathe. In modern medical facilities,pressurized air and oxygen sources are often available from walloutlets. Other, exotic gases such as helium, helium-oxygen mixtures(heliox), nitrogen and argon to name but a few, may also be useddepending on the therapy being administered.

Medical ventilators monitor the delivery of breathing gas to thepatient, may directly or indirectly monitor physiological parameters ofthe patient, and monitor the operation of the ventilator.

In the embodiments described herein, operators control the medicalinterface through an electronic GUI presented on a primary display,possibly in conjunction with one or more user input devices such as athumbwheel, mouse, keyboard, or selector. As described above, typically,such a primary display is a large display which may be provided withtouchscreen capability. The electronic GUI presented to the operator viathis display allows the operator to view patient data in differentforms, historical data, control the operation of the ventilator andchange the therapy being provided to the patient. In an embodiment,every ventilator operation that can be performed by the ventilator canbe accessed via the electronic GUI. Further, the electric GUI may or maynot be removable from the ventilator housing.

Because of the computing power necessary to drive such a primarydisplay, a separate GUI controller (which may alternatively be referredto as the primary display controller or graphics subsystem) is oftenused that is solely dedicated to running the primary display,interpreting user inputs received through the GUI, and passing thatinformation on to the main ventilator controller that controls theactual gas delivery operations of the ventilator and any subsystemswithin the ventilator. Another function is to perform the computationsand manipulations necessary to raw data provided by the main ventilatorcontroller or discreet ventilator subsystems and turn them into thegraphical presentations (waveforms, loops, monitored patient data,average values, etc.) shown on the GUI. For example, in an embodiment,the main ventilator controller monitors and outputs current parameters,which are then stored in memory to be accessed as needed by the GUIcontroller.

An example of one such subsystem is a battery control system. Typically,medical ventilators may be provided with one or more batteries to allowthe ventilator to remain in operation without interruption while apatient is being transported between locations or during power loss. Thebattery system may include a monitoring and recharging subsystem thatmonitors the charge state and performance of the battery or batteriesand keeps the batteries in a charged state.

Depending on the configuration of the ventilator other subsystems may beprovided such as modules associated with gas sources, e.g., which gassources are currently in use or modules associated with power managementsuch as whether power is being delivered from a wall outlet or thebattery system,

The SSD of the present disclosure is a secondary display that provideslimited status information to the operator. In an embodiment, the SSDmay not be interactive in any way, rather only providing statusinformation in a predetermined or preselected format. Alternatively,some limited interaction may be provided through which a limited set ofcommands may be provided directly to the main breath deliverycontroller.

The SSD may be completely independent of the primary display and the GUIcontroller. One benefit of this architecture is that it allows theprimary display and, thus the GUI, to be powered down or even completelyremoved from the ventilator while continuing to provide the operatorwith status of gas delivery to the patient and system statusinformation. In another embodiment, the SSD is completely independent ofthe ventilation system. One benefit of this architecture is that itallows the ventilator to be powered down while continuing to provide theoperator with system status information on the SSD. Having the SSDoperational when the primary display and/or ventilator is powered downalso has the benefit of allowing an operator to determine the status ofvarious information without the need to power up/boot up the GUIcontroller or other non-essential systems. For example, during theselection of a ventilator system, a ventilator operator may refer toinformation (such as identification information, ventilationconfiguration features, a list of ventilator programs executable by theventilator system, and/or maintenance information) provided by the SSDwithout having to power on the ventilator system or the electric GUI.Having quick and easy access to this information reduces the amount oftime necessary for a ventilator operator to choose a desirable/properventilator.

In an embodiment, the SSD is a display located on the gas deliverysystem. In one embodiment, the SSD is a small, low-power display such asan LCD display to reduce the power demand of the SSD. In one embodiment,the SSD is always powered on when the ventilator is under battery power.In another embodiment, the SSD is always powered on when the ventilatoris receiving external power. In yet another embodiment, when theventilator is running on battery power, the SSD may power off and may beturned on using a separate SSD power switch (different from thatcontrolling the primary display and electronic GUI and/or theventilator). In one embodiment, the SSD or drive circuitry may be ableto determine when the primary display is turned off or removed (ifremovable), during ventilation and may automatically turn on and remainon in such circumstances. In an alternative embodiment, the SSD mayalways be powered on when the ventilation is off but receiving externalpower. Further in another embodiment, the SSD or drive circuitry may beable to determine when the ventilator is turned off and mayautomatically turn the SSD on if the ventilator is receiving externalpower.

In an embodiment, when the SSD is on, the SSD may be programmable by theoperator or manufacturer to meet local requirements or preferences.Likewise, the status data (that is data obtained from systems other thanthe GUI controller) displayed and the format of that display may also beuser selectable.

In order to properly treat a patient, an operator must be familiar withthe configuration of the ventilator system. However, various ventilatorsare configured in various ways, making it difficult for an operator toquickly find and locate components of a ventilation system. Accordingly,in one embodiment, the ventilator system described herein displays atwo-point perspective view representing the physical configuration of aportion of the ventilator system on the SSD or electric GUI. Further,key components and ventilator system status may be displayed on thistwo-point perspective view representing the physical configuration of aportion of the ventilator system in the actual physical location ofthese components on the ventilator system. Accordingly, this displaymethod decreases the amount of time necessary for a ventilator operatorto locate various physical ventilator components on the ventilatorsystem for providing proper patient ventilation.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a ventilator system 20 (alsoreferred to as ventilator 20) including a primary display 59, a systemstatus display 51, a controller 50, and a pneumatic system 22 (alsoreferred to as a gas delivery system 22). The ventilator system 20further includes a main housing.

Ventilator 20 is connected to a human patient 24. Pneumatic system 22(also referred to as a gas delivery system 22) delivers breathing gasesto a patient 24 via the ventilation tubing system 26, which couplespatient 24 to the pneumatic system 22 via physical patient interface 28and ventilator circuit 30. The gas delivery system 22 is located in themain housing of ventilator 20. Ventilator circuit 30 could be a two-limbor one-limb circuit 30 for carrying gas mixture to and from the patient24. In a two-limb embodiment as shown, a wye fitting 36 may be providedas shown to couple the patient interface 28 to the inspiratory limb 32and the expiratory limb 34 of the circuit 30.

The present description contemplates that the patient interface 28 maybe invasive or non-invasive, and of any configuration suitable forestablishing a flow of breathing gas from the patient circuit 30 to anairway of the patient 24. Examples of suitable patient interface 28devices include a nasal mask, nasal/oral mask (which is shown in FIG.1), nasal prong, full-face mask, tracheal tube, endotracheal tube, nasalpillow, etc.

Pneumatic system 22 may be configured in a variety of ways. In thepresent example, system 22 includes an expiratory module 40 coupled withan expiratory limb 34 and an inspiratory module 42 coupled with aninspiratory limb 32. The inspiratory limb 32 receives a gas mixture fromone or more gas sources controlled by one or more gas metering devices.The pneumatic system 22 may include a variety of other components,including other sources for pressurized air and/or oxygen, gas meteringdevices, accumulators, mixing modules, valves, sensors, tubing, filters,etc.

Controller 50 is operatively coupled with pneumatic system 22, signalmeasurement and acquisition systems, and an operator interface 52. Theoperator interface 52 may be provided to enable an operator to interactwith the ventilator 20 (e.g., change ventilator settings, selectoperational modes, view monitored parameters, etc.). Controller 50 mayinclude memory 54, one or more processors 56, storage 58, and/or othercomponents of the type commonly found in command and control computingdevices.

The memory 54 is non-transitory computer-readable storage media thatstores software that is executed by the processor 56 and which controlsthe operation of the ventilator 20. In an embodiment, the memory 54comprises one or more solid-state storage devices such as flash memorychips. In an alternative embodiment, the memory 54 may be mass storageconnected to the processor 56 through a mass storage controller (notshown) and a communications bus (not shown). Although the description ofnon-transitory computer-readable media contained herein refers to asolid-state storage, it should be appreciated by those skilled in theart that non-transitory computer-readable storage media can be anyavailable media that can be accessed by the processor 56. Non-transitorycomputer-readable storage media includes volatile and non-volatile,removable and non-removable media implemented in any method ortechnology for storage of information such as computer-readableinstructions, data structures, program modules or other data.Non-transitory computer-readable storage media includes, but is notlimited to, RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, non-volatile memory,or other solid state memory technology, CD-ROM, DVD, or other opticalstorage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage orother magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used tostore the desired information and which can be accessed by the processor56.

The controller 50 issues commands to pneumatic system 22 in order tocontrol the gas delivery provided to the patient 24 by the ventilator20. The specific commands may be based on inputs received from patient24, pneumatic system 22 and sensors, operator interface 52 and/or othercomponents of the ventilator 20.

In the depicted example, operator interface 52 includes a primarydisplay 59 that is touch-sensitive, enabling the primary display 59 toserve both as an input user interface and an output device. The primarydisplay 59 is removable from the ventilator system 20. In an alternativeembodiment, the primary display 59 is not removable from ventilatorsystem 20. The primary display 59 can display any type of ventilationinformation, such as sensor readings, parameters, commands, alarms,warnings, and smart prompts (i.e., ventilator determined operatorsuggestions).

The primary display 59 is an electronic Graphical User Interface (GUI)that allows the operator to view patient data in different forms, viewhistorical data, control the operation of the ventilator 20, and tochange the therapy being provided to the patient. In an embodiment,every ventilator operation that can be performed by the ventilator 20can be accessed via the electronic GUI or primary display 59. In anotherembodiment, a portion of the ventilator operations that can be performedby the ventilator 20 can be accessed via the electronic GUI of primarydisplay 59.

In one embodiment, primary display 59 utilizes a separate GUI controller(not shown), which may alternatively be referred to as the primarydisplay controller or graphics subsystem. A separate GUI controller maybe utilized because the computing power necessary to drive primarydisplay 59 is often solely dedicated to running the primary display,interpreting user inputs received through the GUI, and passing thatinformation on to main ventilator controller 50 that controls the actualgas delivery operations of ventilator 20 and any subsystems withinventilator 20.

Primary display 59 also performs the computations and manipulationsnecessary to convert raw data, provided by main ventilator controller 50or discreet ventilator subsystems, into the graphical presentations,such as waveforms, loops, monitored patient data, and/or average valuesfor display on the GUI. This list is not limiting. Any suitable type ofgraphical presentation for a primary display 59 may be utilized. In oneembodiment, the raw data and the generated graphical presentations arestored in memory to be accessed as needed by the GUI controller ofprimary display 59.

In this embodiment, ventilator 20 includes a battery control system (notshown). Medical ventilators may be provided with one or more batteriesto allow ventilator 20 to remain in operation without interruption whilea patient is being transported between locations or during power loss.In this embodiment, the ventilator 20 monitors the charge state andperformance of the battery or batteries and keeps the batteries in acharged state. In this embodiment, the primary display 59 and/or SSD 51is in communication with the battery control system and displays batteryinformation received from the battery control system, such as batteryuse, battery performance, and battery charge levels.

In an alternative embodiment, the primary display includes a primarydisplay battery control system that monitors the charge state andperformance of the battery or batteries in ventilator system 20 and/orin the primary display 59 and keeps the batteries in a charged state. Inthis embodiment, the primary display 59 and/or SSD 51 independentlycommunicates with the primary display battery control system anddisplays battery information received from the battery control system,such as battery use, battery performance, and battery charge levels.

Ventilator 20 further includes system status display (SSD) 51. The SSD51 is a secondary display that provides limited status information tothe operator. IN this embodiment, SSD 51 is not interactive in any way.SSD 51 displays status information in a predetermined or preselectedformat. In alternative embodiments, the SSD 51 provides for limitedinteractions, such as a set of commands provided directly to thecontroller 50.

SSD 51 is completely independent of the GUI controller on the primarydisplay 59. Accordingly, if the primary display 59 with the GUIcontroller fails, is disconnected, is removed from the ventilator 20, ispowered off, or malfunctions, the SSD 51 still provides the operatorwith ventilator and patient information obtained directly from thecontroller 50. SSD 51 allows an operator to determine variousinformation of ventilator system 20 and patient status informationwithout having to power up/boot up, fix, or reattach primary display 59with the GUI controller. In another embodiment, SSD 51 allows anoperator to determine various information of ventilator 20 withouthaving to power up/boot up the entire ventilator system 20.

For example, the SSD 51 of ventilator system 20 may be designed todisplay ventilator information that is helpful to a ventilator operatorprior to use of ventilator 20. In this embodiment, the SSD 51 maydisplay pre-use information, such as identification information,maintenance information, ventilator programs executable by ventilator 20and/or ventilation configuration features. This information provides theventilator operator with necessary information for selecting a properand/or desirable ventilator 20 for each individual patient. Displayingthis pre-use information on the SSD 51 allows information to be viewedquickly without having to power on the ventilator 20 and/or the primarydisplay 59. Further, this SSD 51 groups all of the information necessaryfor selecting a ventilator 20 onto one screen, preventing the operatorfrom having to navigate through several display screens to determine allof the information necessary for selecting a ventilator 20. Accordingly,the display of identification information, maintenance information,ventilator programs executable by ventilator 20 and/or ventilationconfiguration features on the SSD 51 decreases the amount of timenecessary for a ventilator operator to select a proper and/or desirableventilator 20. This time decrease is particularly desirable whenventilating a critical patient or when picking a ventilator 20 in achaotic environment, such as an intensive care unit or in the fieldduring a disaster.

The SSD 51 may display this pre-use information upon command, at alltimes, or in specific power or physical configurations. In oneembodiment, the SSD 51 of ventilator 20 displays identificationinformation, maintenance information, ventilator programs executable byventilator 20 and/or ventilation configuration features continuouslywhen the ventilator 20 is powered off/turned off but receiving powerfrom an external power source. In another embodiment, the SSD 51 ofventilator 20 displays identification information, maintenanceinformation, ventilator programs executable by ventilator 20 and/orventilation configuration features upon user selection when theventilation system is powered off but receiving power from a batterysource. In yet another embodiment, the SSD 51 of ventilator 20 displaysidentification information, maintenance information, ventilator programsexecutable by ventilator 20 and/or ventilation configuration featuresupon user selection when the ventilation system is powered or turned on.

The type of pre-use information that is displayed may be determined byventilator configuration, operator selection, operator input, and/orventilator power or physical configuration. In one embodiment, theoperator may input pre-use information into ventilator 20, such asidentification information and maintenance information. In anotherembodiment, ventilator 20 may determine the pre-use informationcontinuously and/or at upon configuration. For example, ventilator 20may determine if the patient circuit 30 is in a neonate, a pediatric, oran adult configuration based on previous or current settings. In anotherembodiment, the make and model of ventilator 20 may be programmed intoventilator 20 upon configuration.

The identification information is any information that allows anoperator to identify ventilator 20, such as an owner name, an owneraddress, an owner identification number, a model name, a model number, abrand name, a production date, and/or a manufacturer identificationnumber to name only a few. In one embodiment, some of the identificationinformation may be preconfigured into ventilator 20 or inputted by anoperator. For instance, the model name, model number, and productiondate may be preconfigured into ventilator 20. In another example, theoperator may input an owner name, an owner identification number, orother information valuable to the operator for identifying ventilator20.

The maintenance information is any information that allows an operatorto determine the maintenance, service, and/or performance status ofventilator 20. The maintenance information may include serviceinformation or test information.

Service information is any information relating to the service ofventilator 20. The service information may be related to previousservices performed on ventilator 20 or to future services that needs tobe performed on ventilator 20 for proper or desired maintenance ofventilator 20. The service information may include a service type,service date, service time, service reminder, preventative service date,future service information, and/or specific service information forindividual components of ventilator 20, such as a gas source, oximeter,and/or capnograph. The future service information includes informationrelating to any already scheduled/planned future services for ventilator20. The preventative service information includes reminders and/orwarnings that let the operator know when future service should beperformed and/or if a future service is due or past due.

In one embodiment, the SSD 51 displays the most recently performedservice information, such as type of service, date of service, and timeof service. In a further embodiment, the SSD 51 displays the number ofhours ventilator 20 may be utilized to ventilate a patient before thenext service is required. In an additional embodiment, the SSD 51 mayfurther display the last service date for a gas source and the amount oftime until the next service date for the gas source is necessary.

In one embodiment, the test information may be inputted or selected bythe operator and/or service provider. In another embodiment, ventilator20 may determine test information through a program executed bycontroller 50 or a primary display controller. In a further embodiment,the test information may be preconfigured into ventilator 20 andprogrammed to be displayed based on a preconfigured event and/or timeduration.

The test information includes any information relating to any testsperformed on ventilator 20 or any necessary or desirable future testsfor ventilator 20. The test information may include, test type, testdate, test time, test results, future test information, preventativetest information, and/or specific test information for individualcomponents of ventilator 20. In one embodiment, the test informationincludes the absence of a necessary test or test results. In anotherembodiment, the future test information includes information relating toany already scheduled/planned future tests for ventilator 20. Thepreventative test information may include reminders and/or warnings thatlet the operator know when future tests should be performed and/or iffuture tests are due or past due.

In another embodiment, the SSD 51 displays start-up test information. Inyet another embodiment, the SSD 51 displays short self test and/orextended self test information, such as date, time, and results.

In one embodiment, the SSD 51 displays information relating to the mostrecently performed tests, such as type performed, date performed, andtime performed. In a further embodiment, the SSD 51 displays the numberof hours ventilator 20 may be utilized to ventilate a patient before thenext test is required. In an additional embodiment, the SSD 51 mayfurther display the last test date for a gas source and the amount oftime until the next test for the gas source is necessary.

In one embodiment, the test information may be inputted or selected bythe operator and/or service provider. In another embodiment, ventilator20 may determine test information based on a program executed bycontroller 50 or primary display controller. In a further embodiment,the test information may be preconfigured into ventilator 20 andprogrammed to be displayed based on a preconfigured event and/or timeduration.

The ventilator programs executable by ventilator 20 are programs orsoftware that control and/or affect the ventilation of a patient beingventilated by ventilator 20. Different programs may be used to providedifferent types, or ‘modes’, of ventilation, such as volume controlledventilation, pressure controlled ventilation, etc. Examples ofventilation modes used in the art include Continuous Positive AirwayPressure (CPAP), Proportional Assist Ventilation® Plus (PAV+) and VolumeVentilation Plus™ (VV+) to name only a few. These programs may be listedby name, abbreviation, and/or symbol.

Other ventilator programs utilized by the ventilator 20 further requirephysical ventilator configurations for proper use. Accordingly, thelisting of these types of programs also informs the operator that thesephysical configurations are also present on the ventilator 20, such asneomode, autostart, ieSync, non-invasive neonatal CPAP (NIV Neo CPAP),Spontaneous Breath Trial Manager (SBT Manager), and/or Heliox to nameonly a few. For example, Heliox ventilation requires a specific valvefor proper Heliox ventilation and NIV Neo CPAP requires a neonatalnon-invasive patient interface. Accordingly, theses programs whetherlisted by name, abbreviation, and/or symbol represent that ventilatorcontains both the program/software and the physical ventilation systemconfiguration and/or parts for properly executing these ventilatorprograms.

In one embodiment, all of the ventilator programs are displayed by thesystem status display 51. In another embodiment, a portion of theventilator programs are displayed by the system status display 51. Inone embodiment, the ventilator programs displayed by the system statusdisplay 51 are user selected. In another embodiment, the ventilatorprograms displayed by the SSD 51 are preconfigured.

The ventilation configuration features include features that describehow the ventilator 20 is physically configured, such as batteryinstallation status, patient circuit configuration, humidifierconfiguration, compressor installation status, communication systeminstallation status, external flow measurement system installationstatus, nebulizer installation status, and/or gas source installationstatus to name only a few. Battery installation status displayed on thesystem status display 51 informs the operator of what batteries areinstalled on the ventilator 20. In one embodiment, the batteryinstallation status may further inform the operator what the chargelevel is of each installed battery. In another embodiment, the batteryinstallation status may further inform the operator of which battery ischarging or in use. Patient circuit configuration information displayedby the system status display 51 informs the operator if the patientcircuit 30 of ventilator 20 is in a neonate, pediatric, or adultconfiguration. Humidifier configuration information displayed on thesystem status display informs the operator if a humidifier is utilizedby ventilator 20 and if utilized, what kind of humidifier is utilized bythe ventilation system. Compressor installation status informationdisplayed by the SSD 51 informs the operator if a compressor isinstalled on ventilator 20. Gas source installation status informationdisplayed by the system status display 51 informs the operator of whatkinds of gas sources are installed on ventilator 20.

In one embodiment, SSD 51 is located on the housing of ventilator 20. Inan embodiment, SSD 51 displays status information and is always on whenventilator 20 is provided with battery power and/or external power(e.g., when it is plugged into a wall socket). In the embodiment shown,the SSD 51 is a small, low-power display, such as an LCD display. In analternative embodiment, SSD 51 is powered off unless an operator turnsthe SSD 51 on (with a different power switch from that controlling theprimary display 59 and/or ventilator 20) when ventilator 20 is providedwith battery power and/or external power. In another embodiment, SSD 51has drive circuitry to determine when the primary display is turned off,disabled, failing or removed from ventilator 20 (e.g., such as fortransport to conserve battery life) and automatically turns on for aportion of time. In this embodiment, SSD 51 may remain on. In anotherembodiment, SSD 51 remains on until the operator switches SSD 51 off,SSD 51 runs out of power, the primary display 59 is turned on, is fixed,or is reattached, and/or an external power source is utilized. Inanother embodiment, SSD 51 has drive circuitry to determine when the SSDis turned off or turned on.

In one embodiment, SSD 51 is programmable by the operator ormanufacturer to meet local requirements or preferences. Further, statusdata (that is obtained from systems other than the GUI controller of theprimary display 59) is displayed. In another embodiment, the format ofthe data displayed on the SSD 51 is selected by the operator ormanufacturer.

In one embodiment, ventilator 20 may be configured to display atwo-point perspective view representing a physical configuration of aportion of ventilation system 20. The two-point perspective illustrationmay be displayed by SSD 51 and/or primary display 59. In order toproperly ventilate a patient, the operator needs to understand thestatus of the ventilator 20 in addition to the status of the patient. Inorder for the operator to fully understand the status of the ventilator20, the operator must be able to locate and/or identify specificcomponents of ventilator 20. The two-point perspective view representingthe physical configuration of a portion of ventilator 20 provides theoperator with a quick guide for locating and/or identifying specificcomponents on ventilator 20.

Any suitable information can be displayed on the two-point perspectiveview representing the physical configuration of the portion ofventilator 20 for helping an operator understand the status ofventilator 20 and the location of key components of ventilator 20. Inone embodiment, the two-point perspective view representing the physicalconfiguration of the portion of ventilator 20 displays any available gassource, a location of any gas source on the ventilation system, gassource use status, any available power source, power source use status,compressor installation status, compressor use status, a location of anyinstalled batteries on the ventilation system, any installed batteriesuse status, any installed batteries charge level, and/or installationstatus of any batteries. In another embodiment, the two-pointperspective view representing the physical configuration of the portionof ventilator 20 displays the location of a gas delivery system, acompressor (if contained on ventilator 20), any type of installed gassource, an external power source, any installed battery, and/or apressure gauge for a compressor (if contained on ventilator 20) asconfigured on ventilator 20.

In one embodiment, compressor installation status includes displaying ifa compressor is contained in ventilator 20. In another embodiment,compressor use status displays if a compressor is being utilized or notutilized by ventilator 20. In one embodiment, battery installationstatus includes displaying if a battery is connected or not connected toventilator 20. In another embodiment, battery use status displays if aconnected battery is in use or not in use. In yet another embodiment,battery charge level displays if an installed battery is charged or notcharged, charging or not charging, the charge level of an installedbattery, and/or an estimate of the remaining amount of ventilator usetime of an installed battery. The charge level of the battery may bedepicted as a fuel gauge or as a time duration counting down the amountof usable amount of time left on a connected battery. In one embodiment,animation is utilized to show that any battery is charging or beingutilized. In another embodiment, the animation is a ripple that movesupward if a battery is charging and moves downwards if a battery isbeing utilized denoting that the charge level of the battery todecrease.

The SSD 51 and/or primary display 59 may display a two-point perspectiveview representing the physical configuration of the portion ofventilator 20 upon command, at all times, or in specific power and/orphysical configuration. In one embodiment, the SSD 51 and/or primarydisplay 59 of ventilator 20 display the two-point perspective viewrepresenting the physical configuration of the portion of ventilator 20continuously when ventilator 20 is powered off but receiving power froman external power source. In another embodiment, the SSD 51 or primarydisplay 59 of ventilator 20 displays the two-point perspective viewrepresenting the physical configuration of the portion of ventilator 20upon operator selection when the ventilation system is powered off butreceiving power from a battery source. In yet another embodiment, theSSD 51 and/or primary display 59 of ventilator 20 displays the two-pointperspective view representing the physical configuration of the portionof ventilator 20 upon user selection when the ventilation system ispowered or turned on. In an alternative embodiment, the SSD 51 and/orprimary display 59 of ventilator 20 displays the two-point perspectiveview representing the physical configuration of the portion ofventilator 20 at all times during ventilation of patient 24. In yet afurther embodiment, the SSD 51 and/or primary display 59 of ventilator20 displays the two-point perspective view representing the physicalconfiguration of the portion of ventilator 20 when ventilator 20 ispowered or turned on but not ventilating a patient.

In one embodiment, a portion of the information displayed on thetwo-point perspective view representing the physical configuration ofthe portion of ventilator 20 may be inputted or selected by the operatorand/or service provider. In another embodiment, ventilator 20 maydetermine a portion of the information displayed on the two-pointperspective view representing the physical configuration of the portionof ventilator 20 through a program executed by controller 50 or primarydisplay controller. In a further embodiment, the information displayedon the two-point perspective view representing the physicalconfiguration of the portion of ventilator 20 may be preconfigured intoventilator 20 and/or programmed to be displayed based on a preconfiguredevent and/or time duration.

Any of the information displayed on the SSD 51 or the primary display 59may be depicted in any suitable manner utilizing icons, symbols, graphs,charts, text, light, light intensity, animation, and/or color.

Referring to FIG. 2, an embodiment of a ventilation system 200 is shown.Ventilation system 200 includes a main housing 202. The main housing 202includes a gas delivery system 204, a ventilation control system 206,and a system status display (SSD) 208. The ventilation control system206 controls the gas delivery system 204 and monitors one or more of apatient physiological parameter, operational parameters of theventilation system 200, and user-defined parameters. In one embodiment,the ventilation control system 206 is located in the main housing 202.In an alternative embodiment, the ventilation control system 206 islocated in a separate component independent of the main housing 202.

The system status display 208 receives status data directly from theventilation control system 206 and displays the status data. In oneembodiment, the system status display 208 includes a switch that turnsthe system status display 208 on and off, which is separate from theventilation system 200's and the primary display's on/off switch. Inanother embodiment, at least one command is transmitted to theventilation control system 206 via the system status display 208. Inanother embodiment, the at least one command is transmitted to theventilation control system 206 via the system status display 208 uponuser command. In one embodiment, the SSD 208 commands include powersave, primary display 214 shut-down, system status display 208shut-down, stand-by, charge, breath-type set-up, pressure supportset-up, oxygen percent set-up, tidal volume set-up, breath-type change,pressure support change, oxygen percent change, and/or tidal volumechange. All of the commands listed above are not limiting. Othersuitable commands for controlling a ventilation system 200 may be addedto the system status display 208.

The status data of the system status display 208 may display anysuitable information, such as patient parameters, ventilationparameters, sensor readings, ventilator information, and/or calculatedparameters. In one embodiment, the status data of the system statusdisplay 208 is selected from ventilator identification information,ventilator maintenance information, at least one ventilation programexecutable by the ventilation system 200 and/or at least one ventilationconfiguration feature. In another embodiment, system status display 208displays a two-point perspective view representing a physicalconfiguration of a portion of ventilation system 200. In a furtherembodiment, system status display 208 displays any available gas source,a location of any gas source on the ventilation system 200, gas sourceuse status, any available power source, power source use status,compressor installation status, compressor use status, a location of anyinstalled batteries on the ventilation system 200, any installedbatteries use status, any installed batteries charge level, and/orinstallation status of any batteries on the two-point perspective viewrepresenting a physical configuration of a portion of ventilation system200. In a further embodiment, system status display 208 displays thelocation of a gas delivery system, a compressor (if contained onventilation system 200), any type of installed gas source, an externalpower source, any installed battery, and/or a pressure gauge for acompressor (if contained on ventilation system 200) as configured onventilation system 200 on the two-point perspective view representing aphysical configuration of a portion of ventilation system 200. All ofthis information may be depicted in any suitable manner, such asutilizing icons, graphs, charts, text, light, light intensity,animation, and/or color.

The identification information is any information that allows anoperator to identify a ventilation system 200, such as an owner name, anowner address, an owner identification number, a model name, a modelnumber, a brand name, a production date, and/or a manufactureridentification number. In one embodiment, some of the identificationinformation may be preconfigured into ventilation system 200 or inputtedby an operator.

The maintenance information is any information that allows an operatorto determine the maintenance, service, and/or performance status of theventilation system 200. The maintenance information may include serviceinformation or test information.

Service information is any information relating to the service of theventilation system 200. The service information may be related toprevious services performed on the ventilation system 200 or to futureservices that need to be performed on the ventilation system 200 forproper or desired maintenance of the ventilation system 200.

The test information is any information relating to any tests performedon the ventilation system 200 or any necessary or desirable future testsfor the ventilation system 200. The test information may include, testtype, test date, test time, test results, future test information,preventative test information, and/or specific test information forindividual components of the ventilation system 200.

In one embodiment, the ventilator programs executable by ventilationsystem 200 are programs that control and/or affect the ventilation of apatient being ventilated by ventilation system 200. These programs maybe listed by name, abbreviation, and/or symbol. In one embodiment, allof the ventilator programs are displayed by the system status display208. In another embodiment, a portion of the ventilator programs aredisplayed by the system status display 208. In one embodiment, theventilator programs displayed by the system status display 208 areoperator selected. In another embodiment, the ventilator programsdisplayed by the system status display 208 are preconfigured.

In another embodiment, the ventilation configuration features includefeatures that describe how the ventilation system 200 is physicallyconfigured, such as battery installation status, patient circuitconfiguration, humidifier configuration, compressor installation status,and/or gas source installation status. Battery installation statusdisplayed on the system status display 208 informs the operator of whatbatteries are installed on the ventilation system 200. In oneembodiment, the battery installation status may further inform theoperator of the charge level of each installed battery. Patient circuitconfiguration information displayed by the system status display 208informs the operator if the patient circuit of ventilation system 200 isin a neonate, pediatric, or adult configuration. Humidifierconfiguration information displayed on the system status display 208informs the operator if a humidifier is utilized by ventilation system200 and if utilized, what kind of humidifier is utilized by theventilation system 200. Compressor installation status informationdisplayed by the system status display 208 informs the operator if acompressor is installed on ventilation system 200. Gas sourceinstallation status information displayed by the system status display208 informs the operator of what kinds of gas sources are installed onventilation system 200.

In one embodiment, compressor installation status includes displaying ifa compressor is contained in ventilation system 200. In anotherembodiment, compressor use status displays if a compressor is beingutilized or not utilized by ventilation system 200. In yet anotherembodiment, battery installation status includes displaying if a batteryis connected to the ventilation system 200, displaying if a battery isdisconnected from the ventilation system 200. In another embodiment,battery use status includes displaying if a battery is in use or not inuse. In yet another embodiment, battery charge level includes displayingif a battery is charged, charge level of a battery and/or an estimate ofbattery life. The charge level of the battery may be depicted as a fuelgauge or as a time duration counting down the amount of usable time lefton the battery.

In one embodiment, a SSD 208 displays a manometer. The manometerdisplays the peak inspiratory pressure (P_(PEAK)), positive-endexpiratory pressure (PEEP), and inspiratory pressure in thermometer-typedisplay as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. As the inspiratory pressurechanges, the manometer may demonstrate this with the movement of thepressure meter up and down the vertical scale. In a further embodiment,the manometer may illustrate high and low alarm setting for the peakinspiratory pressure. In another embodiment, the pressure ranges of themanometer may change based on the patient setting (e.g. adult,pediatric, or neonate) of the ventilation system 200. For example, theembodiment of FIG. 8 displays the pressure range on a manometer forventilating an infant and the embodiment of FIG. 9 displays an adultpressure range on a manometer for ventilating and adult or child. Inanother embodiment, the pediatric pressure range may be equal to therange displayed in FIG. 9.

Ventilation system 200 further includes a primary display housing 210.The primary display housing 210 is removably attached to the mainhousing 202. In an alternative embodiment, the primary display housing210 is not removable from the main housing 202. In the embodiment asillustrated in FIG. 2, the primary display housing 210 includes aprimary display controller 212 and a primary display 214. In analternative embodiment, the primary display controller 212 is located inthe main housing 202. In another embodiment, the primary displaycontroller 212 is located in a separate component independent of themain housing 202 and the primary display housing 210.

Primary display 214 presents the graphical user interface. In oneembodiment, the primary display 214 includes a mechanism that turns theprimary display 214 on and off. In another embodiment, the system statusdisplay 208, when in operation, uses at least less than 10%, morepreferable less than 5% and even more preferably less than 2% of thepower used by the primary display 214 when in operation. In yet anotherembodiment, the system status display 208, when in operation, uses atleast less than 50% of the power used by the primary display 214 when inoperation. In yet a further embodiment, the system status display 208,when in operation, uses at least less than 80% of the power used by theprimary display 214 when in operation.

In an alternative embodiment, the system status display 208 has alow-power mode for conserving power consumption. The low-power modereduces the amount of power consumed by the SSD 208 by at least 10%. Inone embodiment, the low-power mode reduces the amount of power consumedby the SSD 208 by at least 50%. In another embodiment, the low-powermode reduces the amount of power consumed by the SSD 208 by at least80%. In one embodiment, the SSD 208 enters the low-power mode when theprimary display housing 210 is removed. In an additional embodiment, theSSD 208 is placed in a low-power mode when the primary display housing210 is malfunctioning or disconnected. In another embodiment, the SSD208 enters a low-power mode based on user command.

Primary display controller 212 generates the graphical user interface,receives operator inputs through the graphical user interface, anddelivers commands to the ventilation control system 206 based on theoperator inputs. In one embodiment, the primary display controller 212places the primary display 214 in a safe disconnect mode to allow theprimary display housing 210 to be removed. In an additional embodiment,the primary display controller 212 is placed in a low-power mode whenthe primary display housing 210 is removed. In another embodiment, theprimary display controller 212 is turned off when the primary displayhousing 210 is removed. In yet another embodiment, the primary displaycontroller 212 is turned off or placed in a low-power mode based on usercommand.

In one embodiment, the primary display 214 is suitable for displayingany of the information described above for the system status display208, such as ventilation system 200 maintenance information, ventilationsystem 200 service information, ventilation system 200 programsexecutable by ventilation system 200, ventilation configurationfeatures, and/or a two-point perspective view representing a physicalconfiguration of a portion of ventilation system 200. In an alternativeembodiment, primary display 214 display different information from thesystem status display 208.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a method 300 for displayingventilator information on a ventilation system. As illustrated, method300 performs a first display operation 302. First display operation 302displays a first set of data on a primary display. In one embodiment,the first set of data includes ventilator status, available gas sources,utilized gas source or sources, available power sources, utilized powersource, pressure trace of inspiratory pressure, positive-end expiratorypressure (PEEP), peak inspiratory pressure, battery system status,batteries in use, battery charge level, and/or a battery status. Inanother embodiment, the primary display is removable from a housing ofthe ventilation system.

As illustrated, method 300 performs a control operation 304. Controloperation 304 controls the primary display with a processor. Theprocessor may be part of a primary display controller. The controloperation 304 determines what is displayed on the primary display.

Method 300 performs a second display operation 306. The second displayoperation 306 displays a second set of status data on the system statusdisplay. In one embodiment the second set of status data is differentfrom the first set of status data. In another embodiment, the second setof status data includes ventilator maintenance information, ventilatoridentification information, ventilator programs executable by theventilation system, ventilator configuration features, ventilatorstatus, available gas sources, utilized gas source or sources, availablepower sources, utilized power source, pressure trace of inspiratorypressure, PEEP, peak inspiratory pressure, battery system status,batteries in use, battery charge level, and/or a battery status.

Method 300 performs a control operation 308. Control operation 308controls the secondary display with a processor. The processor may bepart of ventilation system or part of a system status displaycontroller. The control operation 304 determines what is displayed onthe system status display.

As illustrated, method 300 further performs a third display operation310. Third display operation 310 displays a two-point perspective viewrepresenting a physical configuration of a portion of the ventilationsystem as part of at least one of the first set of data or the secondset of data. In one embodiment, the first set of data on the systemstatus display displays the two-point perspective view representing thephysical configuration of a portion of the ventilation system. In analternative embodiment, the second set of data on the primary displaydisplays the two-point perspective view representing the physicalconfiguration of a portion of the ventilation system. In anotherembodiment, both the first set of data and the second set of datadisplayed on the primary display and the system status display includethe two-point perspective view representing the physical configurationof a portion of the ventilation system. The displayed two-pointperspective view representing the physical configuration of the portionof the ventilation system may further include the location of a gasdelivery system, the location of a compressor, the location of thelocation of a gas delivery system, the location of a compressor (ifcontained on ventilation system), the location of any type of installedgas source, the location of an external power source, the location ofany installed battery, and/or the location of a pressure gauge for acompressor (if contained on ventilation system), any type of installedgas source, gas source use status, any available power source, powersource use status, compressor installation status, compressor usestatus, any installed batteries use status, any installed batteriescharge level, and/or installation status of any batteries. In oneembodiment, the data displayed by third display operation 310 is thescreen shot of a display illustrated in FIG. 8. In another embodiment,the data displayed by third display operation 310 is the screen shot ofa display illustrated in FIG. 9.

In one embodiment, method 300 further performs a determinationoperation. The determination operation determines if the ventilationsystem is ventilating a patient and/or receiving power from an externalsource. If the determination operation determines that the ventilationsystem is ventilating a patient and/or receiving power from an externalsource, the determination operation has method 300 perform third displayoperation 310. If the determination operation determines that theventilation system is not ventilating a patient and not receiving powerfrom an external source, then the determination operation has method 300perform first display operation 302 again.

In another embodiment, method 300 performs a monitoring operation. Themonitoring operation monitors a compressor use status, a utilized powersource, a battery charge level, and/or a kind of installed gas sources.In this embodiment, the monitored compressor use status, the utilizedpower source, the battery charge level, and/or the kind of installed gassource is displayed in a location on the two-point perspective viewrepresenting the physical configuration of the portion of theventilation system corresponding to monitored parametersposition/configuration on the actual ventilation system.

In yet another embodiment, method 300 performs a primary displaydetermination operation. In this embodiment, the primary display isremovable from the ventilation system. The primary display determinationoperation determines if the primary display is attached to theventilation system. If the primary display determination operationdetermines that the primary display is attached to the ventilationsystem, then third display operation 310 displays a primary displayattached to the ventilation system on the two-point perspective viewrepresenting the physical configuration of the portion of theventilation system. If the primary display determination operationdetermines that the primary display is removed from the ventilationsystem, then third display operation 310 displays a primary displayremoved from the ventilation system on the two-point perspective viewrepresenting the physical configuration of the portion of theventilation system. The attachment status of the primary display may bedisplayed though any suitable method, such as an icon, text, and/or agraphical picture.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a method 400 for displayingventilator information on a ventilation system. As illustrated, method400 performs a power source monitoring operation 402. Power sourcemonitoring operation 402 monitors the power source utilized by theventilation system. For instance, power source monitoring operation 402monitors if the ventilation system is utilizing external power, such asAC power or internal power, such as one or more batteries.

Further, method 400 performs a power status monitoring operation 404.Power status monitoring operation 404 monitors whether the ventilationsystem is powered on or is powered off. In one embodiment, the powerstatus monitoring operation 404 utilizes drive circuitry to monitorwhether the ventilation system is powered off/turned on or is poweredoff/turned off. In another embodiment, the power status monitoringoperation 404 utilizes a sensor for monitoring the position of theon/off switch of the ventilation system.

Next, method 400 performs a power status decision operation 406. Powerstatus decision operation 406 determines if the ventilation system isturned on. If power status decision operation 406 determines that theventilation system is turned on, power status decision operation 406decides to have method 400 perform first display operation 408. If powerstatus decision operation 406 determines that the ventilation system isturned off, power status decision operation 406 decides to have method400 perform power source decision operation 410.

Method 400 performs a first display operation 408. First displayoperation 408 displays a first set of data on a primary display anddisplays a second set of data of a secondary display. In one embodiment,the first set of data and the second set of data are different. Inanother embodiment the first set of data and the second set of data mayinclude ventilator status, available gas sources, utilized gas source orsources, available power sources, utilized power source, pressure traceof inspiratory pressure, PEEP, peak inspiratory pressure, battery systemstatus, batteries in use, battery charge level, and/or a battery status.In one embodiment, the primary display is removable from the ventilationsystem.

Further, method 400 performs a power status decision operation 410.Power status decision operation 410 determines if the ventilation systemis receiving power from an external power source. If power statusdecision operation 410 determines that the ventilation system isreceiving power from an external source, power status decision operation410 decides to have method 400 perform second display operation 412. Ifpower status decision operation 410 determines that the ventilationsystem is not receiving power from an external source, power statusdecision operation 410 decides to have method 400 perform a power sourcemonitoring operation 402 again.

As illustrated, method 400 performs a second display operation 412.Second display operation 412 displays at least one of ventilation systemidentification information and ventilation system maintenanceinformation on the system status display. In one embodiment, seconddisplay operation 412 displays a date, a time, and a result of a mostrecently performed short self test on the ventilation system. In anotherembodiment, second display operation 412 further displays a date, atime, and a result of a most recently performed extended self test onthe ventilation system. In a further embodiment, second displayoperation 412 further displays a most recent date and time theventilation system received maintenance and a number of hours theventilation system can be utilized to ventilate a patient until theventilation system requires new maintenance. In one embodiment, the datadisplayed by second display operation 412 is the screen shot of adisplay illustrated in FIG. 10. In another embodiment, the datadisplayed by second display operation 412 is the screen shot of adisplay illustrated in FIG. 11.

The identification information includes any information that allows anoperator to identify a ventilation system, such as an owner name, anowner address, an owner identification number, a model name, a modelnumber, a brand name, a production date, and/or a manufactureridentification number. In one embodiment, some of the identificationinformation may be preconfigured into ventilation system or inputted byan operator.

The maintenance information is any information that allows an operatorto determine the maintenance, service, and/or performance status of theventilation system. The maintenance information includes serviceinformation or test information. Service information is any informationrelating to the service of the ventilation system. The serviceinformation may be related to any previous services performed on theventilation system or to any future services that need to be performedon the ventilation system for proper or desired maintenance of theventilation system. The test information includes any informationrelating to any tests performed on the ventilation system or anynecessary or desirable future tests for the ventilation system. The testinformation may include, test type, test date, test time, test results,future test information, preventative test information, and/or specifictest information for individual components of the ventilation system.

In one embodiment, method 400 further performs a maintenance monitoringoperation. In this embodiment, the monitoring operation monitors anymaintenance performed on the ventilation system. The monitoringoperation may further monitor when future maintenance is required on theventilation system.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a method 500 for displayingventilator information on a ventilation system. As illustrated, method500 performs a power source monitoring operation 502. Power sourcemonitoring operation 502 monitors the power source utilized by theventilation system. For instance, power source monitoring operation 502monitors if the ventilation system is utilizing external power, such asAC power or internal power, such as one or more batteries.

Further, method 500 performs a power status monitoring operation 504.The power status monitoring operation 504 monitors whether theventilation system is powered off/turned on or is powered off/turnedoff. In one embodiment, the power status monitoring operation 504utilizes drive circuitry to monitor whether the ventilation system ispowered on or is powered off. In another embodiment, the power statusmonitoring operation 504 utilizes a sensor for monitoring the positionof the on/off switch of the ventilation system.

Next, method 500 performs a power status decision operation 506. Powerstatus decision operation 506 determines if the ventilation system isturned on. If power status decision operation 506 determines that theventilation system is turned on, power status decision operation 506decides to have method 500 perform first display operation 508. If powerstatus decision operation 506 determines that the ventilation system isturned off, power status decision operation 506 decides to have method500 perform power source decision operation 510.

Method 500 performs first display operation 508. First display operation508 displays a first set of data on a primary display and displays asecond set of data of a secondary display. In one embodiment, the firstset of data and the second set of data are different. In anotherembodiment the first set of data and the second set of data may includeventilator status, available gas sources, utilized gas source orsources, available power sources, utilized power source, pressure traceof inspiratory pressure, PEEP, peak inspiratory pressure, battery systemstatus, batteries in use, battery charge level, and/or a battery status.In one embodiment, the primary display is removable from the ventilationsystem.

Further, method 500 performs a power source decision operation 510.Power source decision operation 510 determines if the ventilation systemis receiving power from at least one battery. If power source decisionoperation 510 determines that the ventilation system is receiving powerfrom at least one battery, power source decision operation 510 decidesto have method 500 perform system status display status decisionoperation 512. If power source decision operation 510 determines thatventilation system is not receiving power from at least one battery,power source decision operation 510 decides to have method 500 performthe power source monitoring operation 502 again.

Method 500 performs system status display decision operation 512. Systemstatus display decision operation 512 determines if the system statusdisplay is switched on In this embodiment, the system status display hasa separate on/off switch from the ventilation system and the primarydisplay. System status display decision operation 512 may utilize drivecircuitry or a switch sensor to determine if the system status displayis switched on. If system status display decision operation 512determines that system status display is switched on, system statusdisplay decision operation 512 decides to have method 500 perform asecond display operation 514. If system status display decisionoperation 512 determines that system status display is switched off,system status display decision operation 512 decides to have method 500perform the power source monitoring operation 502 again.

As illustrated, method 500 performs a second display operation 514.Second display operation 514 displays at least one of ventilation systemidentification information and ventilation system maintenanceinformation on the system status display. In one embodiment, the datadisplayed by second display operation 514 is the screen shot of adisplay illustrated in FIG. 10. In another embodiment, the datadisplayed by second display operation 514 is the screen shot of adisplay illustrated in FIG. 11.

The identification information includes any information that allows anoperator to identify a ventilation system, such as an owner name, anowner address, an owner identification number, a model name, a modelnumber, a brand name, a production date, and/or a manufactureridentification number. In one embodiment, some of the identificationinformation may be preconfigured into ventilation system or inputted byan operator.

The maintenance information is any information that allows an operatorto determine the maintenance, service, and/or performance status of theventilation system. The maintenance information includes serviceinformation or test information. Service information is any informationrelating to the service of the ventilation system. The serviceinformation may be related to any previous services performed on theventilation system or to any future services that need to be performedon the ventilation system for proper or desired maintenance of theventilation system. The test information includes any informationrelating to any tests performed on the ventilation system or anynecessary or desirable future tests for the ventilation system. The testinformation may include, test type, test date, test time, test results,future test information, preventative test information, and/or specifictest information for individual components of the ventilation system. Inone embodiment, the test information displayed on the system statusdisplay includes a date, a time, and a result of a most recent shortself test and a most recent extended self test performed on theventilation system. In another embodiment, the service informationdisplayed on the system status display includes a date and a time of amost recent service performed on the ventilation system. In yet anotherembodiment, the service information displayed on the system statusdisplay includes an amount of time until a future service is required onthe ventilation system.

In one embodiment, method 500 further performs a maintenance monitoringoperation. In this embodiment, the monitoring operation monitors anymaintenance performed on the ventilation system. The monitoringoperation may further monitor when future maintenance is required on theventilation system.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a method 600 for displayingventilator information on a ventilation system. As illustrated, method600 performs a power source monitoring operation 602. Power sourcemonitoring operation 602 monitors the power source utilized by theventilation system. For instance, power source monitoring operation 602monitors if the ventilation system is utilizing external power, such asAC power or internal power, such as one or more batteries.

Further, method 600 performs a power status monitoring operation 604.The power status monitoring operation 604 monitors whether theventilation system is powered off/turned on or is powered off/turnedoff. In one embodiment, the power status monitoring operation 604utilizes drive circuitry to monitor whether the ventilation system ispowered on or is powered off. In another embodiment, the power statusmonitoring operation 604 utilizes a sensor for monitoring the positionof the on/off switch of the ventilation system.

Next, method 600 performs a power status decision operation 606. Powerstatus decision operation 606 determines if the ventilation system isturned on. If power status decision operation 606 determines that theventilation system is turned on, power status decision operation 606decides to have method 600 perform a first display operation 608. Ifpower status decision operation 606 determines that the ventilationsystem is turned off, power status decision operation 606 decides tohave method 600 perform a power source decision operation 610.

Method 600 performs a first display operation 608. First displayoperation 608 displays a first set of data on a primary display anddisplays a second set of data of a secondary display. In one embodiment,the first set of data and the second set of data are different. Inanother embodiment the first set of data and the second set of data mayinclude ventilator status, available gas sources, utilized gas source orsources, available power sources, utilized power source, pressure traceof inspiratory pressure, PEEP, peak inspiratory pressure, battery systemstatus, batteries in use, battery charge level, and/or a battery status.In one embodiment, the primary display is removable from a housing ofthe ventilation system.

Further, method 600 performs a power source decision operation 610.Power source decision operation 610 determines if the ventilation systemis receiving power from an external power source. If power sourcedecision operation 610 determines that the ventilation system isreceiving power from an external source, power source decision operation610 decides to have method 600 perform a second display operation 612.If power source decision operation 610 determines that ventilationsystem is not receiving power from an external source, power sourcedecision operation 610 decides to have method 600 perform a power sourcemonitoring operation 602 discussed above.

As illustrated, method 600 performs a second display operation 612.Second display operation 612 displays at least one ventilation programexecutable on the ventilation system and at least one ventilationconfiguration feature on the system status display. As discussed above,these programs or ventilation modes may be listed by name, abbreviation,and/or symbol. In one embodiment, all of the ventilator programs aredisplayed by the system status display. In another embodiment, a portionof the ventilator programs are displayed by the system status display.In one embodiment, the ventilator programs displayed by the systemstatus display are user selected. In another embodiment, the ventilatorprograms displayed by the system status display are preconfigured. Inone embodiment, the data displayed by second display operation 612 isthe screen shot of a display illustrated in FIG. 10. In anotherembodiment, the data displayed by second display operation 612 is thescreen shot of a display illustrated in FIG. 11.

The ventilation configuration features include features that describehow the ventilator is physically configured, such as batteryinstallation status, patient circuit configuration, humidifierconfiguration, compressor installation status, and/or gas sourceinstallation status. Battery installation status displayed on the systemstatus display informs the operator of what batteries are installed onthe ventilator. In one embodiment, the battery installation status mayfurther inform the operator of the charge level of each installedbattery. Patient circuit configuration information displayed by thesystem status display informs the operator if the patient circuit of theventilator is in a neonate, pediatric, or adult configuration.Humidifier configuration information displayed on the system statusdisplay informs the operator if a humidifier is utilized by theventilation system and if utilized, what kind of humidifier is utilizedby the ventilation system. Compressor installation status informationdisplayed by the system status display informs the operator if acompressor is installed on the ventilation system. Gas sourceinstallation status information displayed by the system status displayinforms the operator of what kinds of gas sources are installed on theventilation system.

In one embodiment, method 600 performs a ventilation configurationfeature determination operation. The ventilation configuration featuredetermination operation determines at least one physical configurationfeature of the ventilation system, such as battery installation status,patient circuit configuration, humidifier configuration, compressorinstallation status, gas source status, and/or ventilation programs. Theventilation configuration feature determination operation is performedprior to second display operation 612. In this embodiment, seconddisplay operation 612 displays the determined at least one physicalconfiguration feature of the ventilation system.

In another embodiment, method 600 further performs a batterydetermination operation and a battery charge level determinationoperation. The battery determination operation determines if anybatteries are installed on the ventilation system. The battery chargelevel operation determines the charge level of each installed battery.In this embodiment, the second display operation 612 displays thedetermined installed batteries and the charge level of any determinedinstalled batteries.

In yet another embodiment, method 600 performs a patient circuitdetermination operation. The patient circuit determination operationdetermines the patient circuit configuration of the ventilation system.In this embodiment, second display operation 612 displays the determinedpatient circuit configuration.

In a further embodiment, method 600 performs a compressor determinationoperation. The compressor determination operation determines if theventilation system comprises a compressor. In this embodiment, seconddisplay operation 612 displays the compressor installation statusdetermined by compressor determination operation.

In yet a further embodiment, method 600 performs a humidifierdetermination operation. The humidifier determination operationdetermines if the ventilator contains a humidifier and if so, the kindof humidifier. In this embodiment, second display operation 612 displaysthe humidifier installation status determined by the humidifierdetermination operation.

In an additional embodiment, method 600 performs a gas sourcedetermination operation. The gas source determination operationdetermines each kind of gas source that is installed on the ventilationsystem. In this embodiment, second display operation 612 displays eachkind of gas source installed on ventilation system as determined by thegas source determination operation.

In one embodiment, method 600 further performs a ventilation programdetermination operation. Ventilation program determination operation isperformed before the second display operation 612. The ventilationprogram determination operation determines at least one ventilationprogram executable by the ventilation system to affect and/or controlthe ventilation of a patient being ventilated by the ventilation system.In this embodiment, the second display operation 612 displays thedetermined ventilation program.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a method 700 for displayingventilator information on a ventilation system. As illustrated, method700 performs a power source monitoring operation 702. Power sourcemonitoring operation 702 monitors the power source utilized by theventilation system. For instance, power source monitoring operation 702monitors if the ventilation system is utilizing external power, such asAC power or internal power, such as one or more batteries.

Further, method 700 performs a power status monitoring operation 704.The power status monitoring operation 704 monitors whether theventilation system is powered on or is powered off. In one embodiment,the power status monitoring operation 704 utilizes drive circuitry tomonitor whether the ventilation system is powered off/turned on or ispowered off/turned off In another embodiment, the power statusmonitoring operation 704 utilizes a sensor for monitoring the positionof the on/off switch of the ventilation system.

Next, method 700 performs a power status decision operation 706. Powerstatus decision operation 706 determines if the ventilation system isturned on. If power status decision operation 706 determines that theventilation system is turned on, power status decision operation 706decides to have method 700 perform first display operation 708. If powerstatus decision operation 706 determines that the ventilation system isturned off, power status decision operation 706 decides to have method700 perform power source decision operation 710.

Method 700 performs first display operation 708. First display operation708 displays a first set of data on a primary display and displays asecond set of data of a secondary display. In one embodiment, the firstset of data and the set of data are different. In another embodiment thefirst set of data and the second set of data may include ventilatorstatus, available gas sources, utilized gas source or sources, availablepower sources, utilized power source, pressure trace of inspiratorypressure, PEEP, peak inspiratory pressure, battery system status,batteries in use, battery charge level, and/or a battery status. In oneembodiment, the primary display is removable from a housing of theventilation system.

Further, method 700 performs a power source decision operation 710.Power source decision operation 710 determines if the ventilation systemis receiving power from at least one battery. If power source decisionoperation 710 determines that the ventilation system is receiving powerfrom at least one battery, power source decision operation 710 decidesto have method 700 perform system status display decision operation 712.If power source decision operation 710 determines that ventilationsystem is not receiving power from at least one battery, power sourcedecision operation 710 decides to have method 700 perform the powersource monitoring operation 702 again.

As illustrated, method 700 performs system status display decisionoperation 712. System status display decision operation 712 determinesif the system status display is switched on. In this embodiment, thesystem status display has a separate on/off switch from the ventilationsystem and the primary display. System status display decision operation712 may utilize drive circuitry or a switch sensor to determine if thesystem status display is switched on. If system status display decisionoperation 712 determines that system status display is switched on,system status display decision operation 712 decides to have method 700perform a second display operation 714. If system status displaydecision operation 712 determines that system status display is notswitched on, system status display decision operation 712 decides tohave method 700 perform the power source monitoring operation 702 again.

Method 700 performs a second display operation 716. Second displayoperation 716 displays at least one ventilation program executable bythe ventilation system and at least one ventilation configurationfeature on the system status display. The ventilator programs executableby the ventilation system are programs that control and/or affect theventilation of a patient being ventilated by the ventilation system.These programs may be listed by name, abbreviation, and/or symbol. Inone embodiment, all of the ventilator programs are displayed by thesystem status display. In another embodiment, a portion of theventilator programs are displayed by the system status display. In oneembodiment, the ventilator programs displayed by the system statusdisplay are user selected. In another embodiment, the ventilatorprograms displayed by the system status display are preconfigured. Inone embodiment, the data displayed by second display operation 716 isthe screen shot of a display illustrated in FIG. 10. In anotherembodiment, the data displayed by second display operation 716 is thescreen shot of a display illustrated in FIG. 11.

The ventilation configuration features include features that describehow the ventilator is physically configured, such as batteryinstallation status, patient circuit configuration, humidifierconfiguration, compressor installation status, and/or gas sourceinstallation status. Battery installation status displayed on the systemstatus display informs the operator of what batteries are installed onthe ventilator. In one embodiment, the battery installation status mayfurther inform the operator of the charge level of each installedbattery. Patient circuit configuration information displayed by thesystem status display informs the operator if the patient circuit of theventilator is in a neonate, pediatric, or adult configuration.Humidifier configuration information displayed on the system statusdisplay informs the operator if a humidifier is utilized by ventilationsystem and if utilized, what kind of humidifier is utilized by theventilation system. Compressor installation status information displayedby the system status display informs the operator if a compressor isinstalled on the ventilation system. Gas source installation statusinformation displayed by the system status display informs the operatorof what kinds of gas sources are installed on the ventilation system.

In one embodiment, method 700 performs a ventilation configurationfeature determination operation. The ventilation configuration featuredetermination operation determines at least one physical configurationfeature of the ventilation system, such as battery installation status,patient circuit configuration, humidifier configuration, compressorinstallation status, gas source status, and/or ventilation programs. Theventilation configuration feature determination operation is performedprior to the system status display decision operation 712. In thisembodiment, system status display decision operation 712 displays thedetermined at least one physical configuration feature of theventilation system.

EXAMPLES

The following are embodiments of displays that could be shown on the SSDof a ventilation system.

The following are embodiments of a pressure trace or manometer thatcould be displayed on a SSD to allow an operator to determine from theSSD the ventilator's ability to support breath delivery to a patient.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate an embodiment of a screen shot of a display ona ventilation system 800. In this example, the SSD displays a pressuretrace or manometer 802 that indicates that pressure is transitioningbetween two points, such as PEEP and Peak Inspiratory Pressure(P_(PEAK)). As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the SSD displays a pressuretrace 802 that provides an indication of the rise time of the pressureand the pressure levels. Further, as shown in the FIGS. 8 and 9, the SSDprovides a continuous display of the minimum and peak inspiratorypressure levels.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the manometer 802 includes high and lowpeak inspiratory pressure alarms 804. The alarms 804 can be shown as amark graphically on the manometer 802 or just listed as text beside themanometer 802. Additionally, the high and low peak inspiratory pressurealarm settings may be set by the operator. Further, while there are nofixed values for range on the manometer 802 for an adult, pediatric, orneonatal patient, the ventilator will have default settings based uponhow the operator set-up the ventilator for the patient. However, theoperator can override the default settings during the patient setupoperation. FIG. 9 shows a manometer 802 with a default range setting foradult ventilation, while FIG. 8 shows a manometer 802 with a defaultrange setting for neonate ventilation. Accordingly, the pressure rangesmay vary depending upon if the ventilator is in an adult, pediatric, orneonate setting based on operator input or ventilator default settings.

The following are embodiments of the types of information that could bepresented on an SSD to allow an operator to determine from the SSD theconfiguration of the ventilator system and more specifically wherespecific components are located on the ventilation system.

In this example, the SSD displays a two-point perspective viewrepresenting a physical configuration of a portion of the ventilationsystem 806. The two-point perspective view 806 mirrors the physicalconfiguration of the ventilation system to allow an operator to be ableto easily find and identify components on the actual ventilator system.In this example, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 the locations of a gasdelivery system 808, a compressor 818, at least one available gas source812, an external power source 824, any batteries 814 and 822, and apressure gauge 820 for the compressor are illustrated on the two-pointperspective view of a portion of the ventilation system 806. Thetwo-point perspective view of a portion of the ventilation system 806may illustrate other suitable ventilator information. As illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 9, the two-point perspective view of a portion of theventilation system 806 further displays any available gas source 812,the type 811 of any available gas source 812, any gas source connectors810, any available power sources 814, 822, and 824, utilization of anypower sources 814, 822 (as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9), and 824 (asillustrated in FIG. 9), compressor installation status 818, compressoruse status 820, battery use status 814 and 822, installed battery chargelevel 814, 822, 816, and 820 and battery installation status 814 and822. The available gas sources 812 and any type of gas 811 as displayedin FIG. 9 include Air, Oxygen, and Helium 811. FIG. 8 shows three gassource connectors 810 with only Oxygen 811 as an installed available gassource 812. The power system information displayed in FIG. 8 shows thatthe ventilation system has an AC adapter 824, but is actively utilizingcompressor and ventilator battery power 814 and 822 while FIG. 9 showsthat the ventilation system is utilizing an AC adapter based on thehighlighting of the AC adapter icon 824. Additionally, both FIGS. 8 and9 graphically depict the battery charge levels as a fuel gauge 814 and822 and the amount of use time the batteries have left 816 and 820.Further the fuel gauge depiction of the battery charge level is colorcoded for easy interpretation 816 and 822. Further, the highlighting orshading of the compressor icon 820 in FIG. 9 illustrates that theventilation system is actively utilizing the compressor 818.

In an alternative example, the display screen embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 9 are displayed on a primary display.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are examples of pre-use information that can be displayedon a SSD. The FIGS. Illustrate an embodiment of a screen shot of asystem status display on a ventilation system 1000. The screen shot 1000includes a two-point perspective view representing a physicalconfiguration of a portion of the ventilation system 1002 and pre-useinformation. The pre-use information includes ventilation systemidentification information 1004, maintenance information, such asservice information 1006 and test information 1008, a list of programsexecutable by the ventilation system that affect the ventilation of apatient 1012, and ventilator configuration information, such as patientcircuit configuration 1010, gas source installation status 1014,compressor installation status 1016, and battery installation status1018.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the ventilation system identificationinformation 1004 includes a hospital name and a hospital identificationnumber. The ventilation system service information 1006 includes theamount of hours the ventilation system can be utilized to ventilate apatient before maintenance is recommended and a date and time of thelast maintenance service, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. As illustrated inFIGS. 10 and 11, the ventilation system test information 1008 includeslisting the date and time the last short self test and extended selftest were performed and that the ventilation system passed theseperformed test. As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the list of programsor features executable or capable for use by the ventilation system 1012are neomode, autostart, ieSync, NIV Neo CPAP, SBT Manager, Compressor,Heliox, and PAV+. Further, FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the patientcircuit configuration 1010 by listing the adult configuration and byhighlighting an adult icon. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the gas sourceinstallation status 1014 shows that no gas sources are installed on thisventilation system. The gas source installation status 1014 displayed inFIG. 11 shows that helium and oxygen are installed on this ventilationsystem. The compressor installation status 1016 is illustrated byshowing that this ventilation system includes a compressor. Thecompressor installation status 1016 in FIG. 11 further illustrates thatthe ventilation system is utilizing the compressor through thehighlighting of the compressor icon and pressure dial movement.Additionally, as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the batteryinstallation status 1018 shows that the ventilation system includesthree pneumatic system batteries and three compressor batteries. Thebattery installation status 1018 further shows that two of the batteriesare being utilized and further shows the amount of time the ventilationsystem can be utilized before the ventilation system runs out of batterypower.

It will be clear that the systems and methods described herein are welladapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as thoseinherent therein. Those skilled in the art will recognize that themethods and systems within this specification may be implemented in manymanners and, as such, are not to be limited by the foregoing exemplifiedembodiments and examples. For example, the operations and steps of theembodiments of methods described herein may be combined or the sequenceof the operations may be changed while still achieving the goals of thetechnology. In addition, specific functions and/or actions may also beallocated in such a way as to be performed by a different module ormethod step without deviating from the overall disclosure. In otherwords, functional elements being performed by a single or multiplecomponents, in various combinations of hardware, firmware, and software,and individual functions can be distributed among software applications.In this regard, any number of the features of the different embodimentsdescribed herein may be combined into one single embodiment andalternate embodiments having fewer than or more than all of the featuresdescribed herein are possible.

While various embodiments have been described for purposes of thisdisclosure, various changes and modifications may be made which are wellwithin the scope of the present invention. Numerous other changes may bemade which will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the artand which are encompassed in the spirit of the disclosure and as definedin the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for displaying ventilation informationon a ventilation system comprising: monitoring a power source utilizedby a ventilation system with a processor; monitoring a power status ofthe ventilation system with the processor; displaying a first set ofdata on a primary display and a second set of data on a secondarydisplay when the ventilation system is turned on; and displaying atleast one ventilation program executable by the ventilation system andat least one ventilation configuration feature on a system statusdisplay controlled by the processor when the ventilation system isturned off and receiving power from an external power source.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the at least one ventilation configurationfeature comprises: battery installation status, patient circuitconfiguration, humidifier configuration, compressor installation status,gas source status, and ventilation programs.
 3. The method of claim 1,wherein the at least one ventilation program executable by theventilation system comprises: neomode, autostart ieSync, neomode, NIVNeo CPAP, PAV+, VV+, and SBT.
 4. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising determining the at least one ventilation configurationfeature of the ventilation system prior to performing the step ofdisplaying the at least one ventilation program executable by theventilation system and the at least one ventilation configurationfeature on the system status display, wherein the step of displaying theat least one ventilation program executable by the ventilation systemand the at least one ventilation configuration feature on the systemstatus display further comprises displaying any determined at least oneventilation configuration feature.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein thestep of determining the at least one ventilation configuration featurecomprises, determining if any batteries are installed on the ventilationsystem, wherein the step of displaying the any determined at least oneventilation configuration feature includes displaying any determinedinstalled batteries.
 6. The method of claim 4, wherein the step ofdetermining the at least one ventilation configuration feature comprisesdetermining a patient circuit configuration utilized by the ventilationsystem; and wherein the step of displaying the any determined at leastone ventilation configuration feature includes displaying a determinedpatient circuit configuration.
 7. The method of claim 4, wherein thestep of determining the at least one ventilation configuration featurecomprises determining a humidifier configuration of the ventilationsystem; and wherein the step of displaying the any determined at leastone ventilation configuration feature includes displaying a determinedhumidifier configuration.
 8. The method of claim 4, wherein the step ofdetermining the at least one ventilation configuration feature comprisesdetermining if a compressor is installed on the ventilation system; andwherein the step of displaying the any determined at least oneventilation configuration feature includes displaying a determinedinstallation status.
 9. The method of claim 4, wherein the step ofdetermining the at least one ventilation configuration feature comprisesdetermining any type gas source installed on the ventilation system, anddetermining an amount of gas contained in any determined type ofinstalled gas source; and wherein the step of displaying the anydetermined at least one ventilation configuration feature includesdisplaying any determined amount of the gas contained in the anydetermined type of installed gas source.
 10. The method of claim 4,further comprising determining at least one ventilation programinstalled on the ventilation system and executable by the ventilationsystem prior to performing the step of displaying the at least oneventilation program executable by the ventilation system and the atleast one ventilation configuration feature on the system statusdisplay, wherein the step of displaying the at least one ventilationprogram executable by the ventilation system and the at least oneventilation configuration feature on the system status display furthercomprises displaying the any determined ventilation program installed onthe ventilation system.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the primarydisplay is removable from the ventilation system.
 12. A method fordisplaying ventilation information on a ventilation system comprising:monitoring the power source utilized by the ventilation system with aprocessor; monitoring the power status of the ventilation system withthe processor; monitoring a system status display power switch;displaying a first set of data on a primary display and a second set ofdata on a secondary display when the ventilator system is turned on; anddisplaying at least one ventilation program executable by theventilation system and at least one ventilation configuration feature ona system status display controlled by the processor when the ventilationsystem is turned off, receiving power from at least one battery, and thesystem status display is switched on.
 13. The method of claim 12,further comprising determining the at least one ventilationconfiguration feature of the ventilation system prior to performing thestep of displaying the at least one ventilation program executable bythe ventilation system and the at least one ventilation configurationfeature on the system status display, wherein the step of displaying theat least one ventilation program executable by the ventilation systemand the at least one ventilation configuration feature on the systemstatus display further comprises displaying the any determined at leastone ventilation configuration feature.
 14. The method of claim 12,wherein the primary display is removable from the ventilation system.